, May 30, 2006 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has joined a $1.2-million emergency response plan that includes the Vatican’s Caritas Internationalis network and other Catholic agencies to provide assistance to the victims of Saturday's devastating earthquake in Indonesia.

The magnitude 6.3 quake struck in the early morning close to Yogyakarta. At last count, the quake had killed more than 5,400 people, wounded more than 6,500 and left 100,000 homeless. It is estimated that recovery and reconstruction may take up to two years.

CRS is working closely with all UN and international agencies on the ground and with three local partners. Its interventions are focused in three of the most-affected areas: Kretek and Pundong in the district of Bantul, and Prambanan in the district of Jogjakarta.

Currently, CRS is working to procure and distribute shelter materials, blankets, hygiene kits, clothes, kitchen sets and family kits to 5,000 victims. It has also provided funds for medical supplies to a local non-governmental organization that is providing shelter to 1,800 people and medical attention to 10,000 in Pundong.

Long-term reconstruction efforts are focused on establishing cash-for-work programs and setting up semi-permanent and permanent shelters.